UK: Strong Ports More Vital Than Ever

As Brexit approaches,  the UK needs to follow some key characteristics of the Strong Ports to thrive post its exit from the EU, given that the global trade and the maritime sector face many challenges.

Global trade, and the maritime sector that enables so many of its flows, faces uncertain and challenging times, according to the UK Major Ports Group.

Nowhere more so than the UK, with Brexit - in whatever form it takes - dominating the agenda. But ports are long horizon businesses and must steer through the immediate storms.

What these trends mean and how Strong Ports can be delivered will be discussed at a breakfast roundtable being held Tuesday 10th September by the UK Major Ports Group for port CEOs, the UK’s Maritime Minister, Chinese Government representatives, major infrastructure investors, global traders and academics.

Research from maritime industry research experts Drewry being presented at the breakfast roundtable has identified a small number of key factors that will make a port resilient and robust through all weathers.

Port owners and operators relish the responsibility to deliver a number of these factors themselves. But many can only be fully delivered through partnership with others – customers, supply chain partners and, crucially, Governments at all levels.

Tim Morris, CEO of the UK Major Ports Group, said: “As an island nation with 95% of the UK trade arriving or departing by sea, we have always relied on our ports. Brexit and uncertain times make Strong Ports more vital than ever for the U.K. The research being shared ay UKMPG’s London International Shipping Week roundtable highlights the five key characteristic of Strong Ports for long term success."

"Delivering Strong Ports requires action from both ports & the Government. The ports are ready to play their part. We look forward to working with Government to do more, boosting the UK’s capability to trade and jobs and prosperity in the UK’s coastal communities,” he added.